About to leave after a week trip - our 5th in 5 years with our DD (10).
In the hope of paying it forward (for all the things I've learned here) - here's what we learned this year:
* FP+ worked better than we had hoped. However, MDE is iffy at best - it frequently didn't work (both in and out of the parks). I took a screenshot of our plans each day on my phone so that I had it to reference, and that worked great. We wanted to change a reservation. Instead of changing, it let us book two. I called WDW DINE to fix it, which was done relatively easily. The CM said this is happening often.
* For the second year, I wore Skecher Go Walks and socks. This is clearly not a fashion statement, especially with the socks - but for the second year I'm leaving with NO blisters. I used to get horrible ones. (I'll spare the gory details.) We also use Body Glide, and this helps with both blisters and chafing.
* The water rides (Splash and Kali) were set to have much (much!) more water than in the past. We like it - but be aware. I finally have learned to switch to flip flops before Kali, and take a small microfiber rag in my bag to dry off my feet before putting shoes back on.
* We used to hit rope drop or *immediately* after, and leave the parks by 1ish. Now that DD is older/has more stamina, and FP+ has changed the mornings (they're generally more crowded) we planned to get to the parks about 30 minutes after rope drop (quicker through the gates, no standing, etc). We also made ADR's for lunch at 1ish to have a longer, cool break and then returned to touring most days.
* We went to Blizzard Beach for the first time. HIGHLY recommend this, and for us it was close to a full day. (9a open til 4ish.)
* We stayed at Windsor Hills for the first time, and likely will stay here again. We've stayed on site, and rented DVC points, but for us the tradeoff of more space/less money is perfect. The drive to the parks is closer for AK and HS than from onsite, and still under 20 minutes to MK and Epcot.
* We ate at Narcoossee's for the first time. They were great with DD (wasn't sure how many kids would be there, but it was a lot). Our waiter was so good that we found the manager after to let her know how much we liked having him.
* There is less 'magic' than in the past - but it only detracted when I thought about it. Our first trip, everyone referred to DD as 'princess', and wished us a 'magical day'. This trip, two people called her 'princess', and most said 'have a good day/nice day/etc.' Again, maybe two said 'have a magical day. As I said - it didn't detract - but it also made it seem less 'immersive'. Similarly, we saw more dirty bathrooms/out of paper towels/etc than on all prior trips combined. (I may have told DH that I needed a shower after using the restroom by Splash - dirty, no paper towels, etc.)
Please let me know if I can answer questions about this or anything else -
In the hope of paying it forward (for all the things I've learned here) - here's what we learned this year:
* FP+ worked better than we had hoped. However, MDE is iffy at best - it frequently didn't work (both in and out of the parks). I took a screenshot of our plans each day on my phone so that I had it to reference, and that worked great. We wanted to change a reservation. Instead of changing, it let us book two. I called WDW DINE to fix it, which was done relatively easily. The CM said this is happening often.
* For the second year, I wore Skecher Go Walks and socks. This is clearly not a fashion statement, especially with the socks - but for the second year I'm leaving with NO blisters. I used to get horrible ones. (I'll spare the gory details.) We also use Body Glide, and this helps with both blisters and chafing.
* The water rides (Splash and Kali) were set to have much (much!) more water than in the past. We like it - but be aware. I finally have learned to switch to flip flops before Kali, and take a small microfiber rag in my bag to dry off my feet before putting shoes back on.
* We used to hit rope drop or *immediately* after, and leave the parks by 1ish. Now that DD is older/has more stamina, and FP+ has changed the mornings (they're generally more crowded) we planned to get to the parks about 30 minutes after rope drop (quicker through the gates, no standing, etc). We also made ADR's for lunch at 1ish to have a longer, cool break and then returned to touring most days.
* We went to Blizzard Beach for the first time. HIGHLY recommend this, and for us it was close to a full day. (9a open til 4ish.)
* We stayed at Windsor Hills for the first time, and likely will stay here again. We've stayed on site, and rented DVC points, but for us the tradeoff of more space/less money is perfect. The drive to the parks is closer for AK and HS than from onsite, and still under 20 minutes to MK and Epcot.
* We ate at Narcoossee's for the first time. They were great with DD (wasn't sure how many kids would be there, but it was a lot). Our waiter was so good that we found the manager after to let her know how much we liked having him.
* There is less 'magic' than in the past - but it only detracted when I thought about it. Our first trip, everyone referred to DD as 'princess', and wished us a 'magical day'. This trip, two people called her 'princess', and most said 'have a good day/nice day/etc.' Again, maybe two said 'have a magical day. As I said - it didn't detract - but it also made it seem less 'immersive'. Similarly, we saw more dirty bathrooms/out of paper towels/etc than on all prior trips combined. (I may have told DH that I needed a shower after using the restroom by Splash - dirty, no paper towels, etc.)
Please let me know if I can answer questions about this or anything else -
